When considering a computer/laptop, do you know what you need to know prior to your purchase? Here are some ideas to consider...
If
the computer is going to be used for games or movies as a priority,
then a screen and video card are the important things to consider. In
this case a desktop computer would probably be best as it is easier to
upgrade your video card and your video output device. Also, with games
and movies the hard disk needs to be very large if you save any of the
input. With a desktop you can always add more hard drives with ease.
If
the computer is going to be used for creating spreadsheets, Word
documents, or video presentations then either type of system would do.
The only real consideration here would be the ease of typing the input.
The keyboard on a desktop is easier to type on for most people. However,
if you desire the laptop for portability or space requirements, you can
always plug in a desktop keyboard (wired or wireless).
This
now brings up the idea of portability. A desktop, normally, stays where
it is installed. A laptop is made for travel. You can do your work at
hot spots (i.e. McDonald's, coffee shops, book stores, etc.) or just in
different rooms of your home; you are not tied down other than staying
within the range of your wireless LAN when at home. This makes it much
easier to sit on the porch enjoying the nice weather, going to the
kitchen for a snack, or catching up on you "important" television shows
while still creating documents.
Software
packages are a main concern when buying a new computer. The first
consideration is that if the software you are currently using is not on
CDs or DVDs in your possession, you will probably have to buy them
again. As a rule, software cannot be copied from one computer to
another. It must be installed on each computer using it.
The
second consideration is compatibility. Even if you do have the software
on hand, some computers will not run older software. With the changes
in computers happening every two or three years, software and hardware
must be verified to run with the new system. Some systems now are
running 32 bit and/or 64 bit operating systems. This can be important
because some software is honed in to one or the other of these.
Currently, there is very little software out there that runs 64 bit or
dual processors. this is a big advertising game to sell computers;
however, tomorrow... ?
The
third consideration is cost. Software needed for a new system usually
costs as much or more than the desktop/laptop purchase. Again this
depends on what you are going to use the system for.
As
stated previously above, there is hardware that will not run on the
newer computer systems. Sometimes the problem is the operating system of
the computer not being able to talk to the hardware device. Sometimes
it is because the drivers (the translators for device to computer
communication) for the device has not or will not be created.
If
your new purchase is to create photo output or high quality
presentation output, as opposed to general documents, then you may want
to consider putting your money into a printer of high quality and much
less into the computer itself.
The
quantity of hardware could also be an issue. Most laptops have 2 or 4
USB ports to plug in hardware. If you need more you can get a USB hub
with additional ports; however, there are still some hardware devices
that will not work through a USB hub and needs the direct connection to
the laptop USB port. A desktop can have 4 to 8 USB ports to plug into.
Again a USB hub can be used for more ports or a card can be installed
within the desktop for additional ports. If this is a strong
consideration, then you will probably need a high end system to push all
the power needed for each device.
Security
is always an issue in this day and age. The word virus gives a lot of
people a case of anxiety. There are several ways to solve this problem
and enjoy your computer. The first is get a good anti-virus and
anti-spyware program. There are a lot of free ones out there - some are
very good. There are a lot of others that charge (usually yearly) - some
are very good. This is a case of either read about them fro sources you
trust or rely on other people that you can trust. There will always be
someone who will like each one or they wouldn't all be on the market.
And don't be fooled; if you have a cable (Comcast, FIOS, Cox, etc.)
connection, you are ALWAYS on the Internet whenever the computer is
turned on. You do not have to initiate your email, Internet, or any
other application to be hacked.
Another
way to secure yourself from viruses, spyware, malware, root kits, and
ID theft is to make sure that you use a LAN or network that you can
trust and that has security within it. Of course, the only way not to be
"hit by this bus" is to stay off of computers. But even this is not a
good alternative as your bank account, your credit card, and other
out-of-home shopping situations are almost all computerized and
susceptible to being hacked.
A
back up power supply and a back up for your computer files are also
steps in the right direction for security. A back up power supply will
help stop a computer from being struck by a power surge. A power surge
has all the capability of entering the unit and destroying the insides
including wiping the hard drive. The correct power supply has the
ability to turn off your computer when there is an outage also. A back
up for your computer files is good when your computer bites the dust or
gets decimated by a virus. With a good back up procedure your data will
always be safe even if your computer is not.
Now
that we have answered most of what you want your computer for, what
specifications (insides) are needed for this computer? Do you need a DVD
drive that has the capability to write or create CDs or DVDs or just
one that can read CDs (for installations) or DVDs (for movies)? How fast
should the computer be? How much memory do you need? What size video
output do you want? What about your network speed?
These
can be very involved questions without any real clear-cut answers.
Without getting too deep into these questions, a new computer made
within the last year would be more than enough for most people. Reviews
on the Internet from reliable sources could also be a big help.
The
final thought is whatever you decide to purchase, I recommend that you
be happy with what you have to pay for your system and don't look at
computer sales or ads for the next six months - because you will
probably find something newer, bigger, faster, or on sale to make you
rethink your purchase. Don't.
If
you want to use my experiences, then feel free to go to my website and
contact me with any thoughts or questions. I am not the "know it all
geek" and will never proclaim myself the "number one guru" but I have
had my hands on and in computers since 1967 and have clients and
experiences to support my convictions.
What about refurbished systems?
A
refurbished system is usually a very good system. But if you want a
warranty you may want to stick with new if you don't know anything about
computers or don't have a handy IT professional friend.
Hello. I hope my 40 plus years experience helps you understand computer and laptop purchasing a little more..
